This event will also feature a Champion of Change Award presentation to the Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, PA, 03/07/2017 – Bethesda Project, a Philadelphia nonprofit providing services for homeless individuals since 1979, announced John McNichol, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, has been selected as Honorary Chair of the organization’s 20th Annual Party & Auction.  This event will take place on Thursday, April 20, in The Philadelphia Phillies’ exclusive Diamond Club at Citizens Bank Park.

“Mr. McNichol was the obvious choice for Honorary Chair of our 20th Annual Party & Auction,” remarked Bethesda Project CEO Tina Pagotto. “This is the perfect way to celebrate Mr. McNichol’s dedication to solving issues surrounding homelessness within our community. We are so honored to have him join in our efforts to raise funds that directly support the life-changing work we do at Bethesda Project.” McNichol serves as co-chair of the Chronic Street Homelessness subcommittee of the Mayor’s Shared Public Spaces Work Group.

In addition to honoring Mr. McNichol, Bethesda Project will be presenting its inaugural Champion of Change award to the Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) of Philadelphia for over 15 years of diversified support to the organization. Kathy Wilkins and Deanna Ballinger of BOMA will be accepting the award on behalf of the organization and a special ticket rate is being extended to all BOMA members.

“For many, Bethesda Project provides the means necessary to take the first steps towards a new, healthy, self-sufficient life,” states Kristine Kiphorn, Executive Director of BOMA Philadelphia. “We pledge our continued support to this remarkable organization and applaud the work of the terrific Bethesda Project team, as we stand together to improve the environment and shared spaces where we all live, work and play.”

Bethesda Project’s 20th Annual Party & Auction features Karen Hepp and Bob Kelly of Fox29 Good Day Philadelphia. It will be a night filled with delicious food and drinks, an exciting online silent auction, live music provided by the talented students of the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush, and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities with the 2008 World Series Trophy and special guest, the Philly Phanatic. Visit www.bethesdaproject.org/bpauction for tickets.

About Bethesda Project
Bethesda Project provides emergency shelter, housing and supportive services for thousands of homeless individuals in Philadelphia. By providing a home and safe environments in each of its 13 sites throughout Philadelphia, homeless men and women can stabilize and regain their dignity & self-worth. From street outreach and shelters to permanent housing residences with supportive services, its locations create a “continuum of care” for Philadelphia’s chronically homeless. Bethesda Project meets men and women where they are, providing case management to help them achieve their highest personal potential. Now, 37 years since its beginning, Bethesda Project remains committed to its initial calling — to find and care for the abandoned poor and to be family with those who have none. Visit us at www.bethesdaproject.org or find us on Twitter at @Bethesda_Proj

About John McNichol
John J. McNichol is President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA).  With more than 1 million-square feet of meeting space in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, the Center is the economic driver of the region’s hospitality industry.  The Center hosts approximately 250 events annually that attract more than 1.2 million planners, attendees, and exhibitors, resulting in a regional economic impact or more than $750 million each year and growing.
John serves as a member of the PHLCVB Board of Directors, Philadelphia Sports Congress Board Executive Committee, Pennsylvania Tourism Partnership Steering Committee, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Reading Terminal Market Board of Directors.  He is also Chairman of the Board of Rugby Pennsylvania – the state-wide league responsible for administering all youth and high school aged rugby across the state -- and a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union Board of Directors. 

About BOMA Philadelphia
BOMA Philadelphia is a trade association comprised of over 500 members representing more than 100 million square feet of commercial real estate in the Philadelphia region. An influential force, BOMA Philadelphia provides excellence among commercial real estate professionals and related service providers through advocacy, professional development, educational & training opportunities, information sharing, forums for interaction, and community involvement. www.bomaphila.org